Gov. Paterson signs Nixzmary's Law

ALBANY - A law named for child-abuse victim Nixzmary Brown was signed Friday, making life without parole the maximum sentence for killing a child in an "especially cruel and wanton manor."

"Signing Nixzmary's Law cannot bring back the life of a young girl, but it does send a message that such abuse of children will not go unpunished," Gov. Paterson said in signing the legislation.

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Nixzmary was beaten to death in 2006 by her stepdad.

Brown's mother, Nixzaliz Santiago, was sentenced to 43 years in jail after ignoring the 7-year-old's plea for help. Stepdad Cesar Rodriguez got 29 years. At the time, the maximum sentence was 25 years with the chance of parole.